Determination of size and ordering of pores in mesoporous silica using small angle neutron scattering

Abstract

Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) has been used to study the size and ordering of the pore structure of mesoporous silica. Mesoporous silica was synthesised in the presence of a 16 carbon chain surfactant, cetyl-trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) using the sol–gel method. The SANS patterns of the mesoporous silica were measured on samples before and after calcination. Calcination at 600°C for 2 h results in removal of the surfactant template. The SANS study revealed the presence of an ordered pore structure with pore spacing of approximately 3.5 nm. After calcination the pore spacing decreased. Using the SANS technique it was possible to quantify the pore sizes and pore spacing and then determine the wall thickness.